What are your favorite subjects in school?
My favorite subject is English. I love reading the literature and breaking down people’s words because people write from the heart and express their feelings.
I also really enjoy Science, not necessarily doing the experiments, but the overall concept of science is fascinating because science is all around us and explains who we are.
What has been your favorite extracurricular activity in high school?
My favorite extracurricular activity was attending the SDLC (Student Diversity Leadership Conference). We traveled to Denver, CO for five days and participated in lectures and discussions focused on diversity and understanding others’ perspectives and life experiences. We really learned how to embrace and include people from all different backgrounds.
In what ways have you changed the most between the start of your 9th-grade year and now being in your final year of high school?
I feel as though I have matured a lot. I have learned when to speak and when to listen. When I do speak, speak with confidence. Overall, I believe my communication skills have grown a lot over the past four years. I speak to everyone the same, regardless of who you are.
I have also become more aware of how I present myself. I didn’t want to keep being seen as a child – I needed to know when to grow up, while also keeping the fun parts of me.
What has been the best part of attending Steward?
The people. All of the friendships I have built over the past 4 years. Growing up while everyone else is growing up around me too. Realizing it wasn’t just about me, but it was about everyone I have been representing. Steward is the reason I am who I am today. They have provided me with opportunities to build and grow inside and outside of the classroom.
What has been the most challenging thing about high school? Did UP RVA help you at all in overcoming that challenge? If so, how?
My biggest challenge was overcoming procrastination and improving my time management skills. Having UP RVA come to campus helped me tremendously. They guided me in understanding what work needed to be done and how to study and retain information more effectively. UP RVA also supported me in so many other ways. By providing tutors, being the people to lean on, and offering countless other resources that have made a lasting difference.
You’ve been part of the UP RVA College Mentor Program. How has the mentor program helped you in your college research and application process?
Long days and long nights. Mrs. Kelly has taken me to college campuses, CNU and Longwood to be specific. She has opened many doors for me that wouldn’t be possible without her.
She also helped me a lot with the common app, the essays, and she helped me stay incredibly organized throughout the process. I am truly thankful for Mrs. Kelly.
What do you like most about working with your college mentor?
Her energy is awesome. She is always excited to work. She is easy to talk to. I refer to her as Auntie Kelly which goes to show how close our connection is, and I really value my time with her.
If you had to do it all over again, would you still be a part of UP RVA? Why?
1000x yes. I would accept a lot of kids in the program if I could.
If I put in the work and the effort that UP RVA expects me to, UP RVA will always be there for me.
Everyday I wake up, 365 days a year, I think of what I need to do for UP RVA, because it has become a part of my life. And the program has been incredibly helpful for me in so many different ways.
What are the 2 or 3 things you want people to know about how UP RVA helps its students?
UP RVA provides us with experiences. Half of the things I have done and places I have been wouldn’t have been possible without UP RVA
Transportation is another big piece of UP RVA. Getting us to school, to extracurricular activities, and everyday life – regardless of what it is, their devotion and dedication gets us to where we need to be.
Personal and Educational Development. When joining UP RVA, your character development will surpass what you think it will be. Your limit is the sky when you get to UP RVA.
